India Journal 2006-#53-Monsoon Rain on May Day! and a Great Meal with Pictures!!

May 1...3:30 PM
Sitting my room...it's been raining for about 1 hour now...but it's as if someone up there forgot the date! It is REAL monsoon rain. Heavy, noisy, almost like a curtain of water propelled by the wind. Pounding relentlessly on the window, on the sidewalk, drowning out all other sounds. It is a s dark as dusk outside, there is thunder and lightening. The picture doesn't really capture the feeling of the power of Nature and the surprising changes it throws our way when we least expect it. Trees are blowing back and forth as if dancing but not sure of the steps and of which way to move and bend. I wish I could somehow capture the power of these forces and post them to you!

The streets are empty and the water is flowing down in riverlets...I wonder how long this will continue. Supposed to meet friends for dinner but that's almost two hours away. It will probably be over by then.

Aside: And speaking of friends for dinner...have I mentioned that my social life here is jumping? I must keep a diary with dates and places to keep track. and a meal hardly goes by without meeting some old acquaintence or new fascinating person to get to know. I will be so bored at home with my non-existent social life in Raanana!!! It is a whirlwind of social activity which I never experience at home.

I am reminded of my monsoon days here and being stuck in Kailwood for days on end sometimes...But I'm sure this will let up soon.

My goodness! It is getting worse! Hammering at the windows now, the thunder just a second away...it is even darker and I can no longer even see the outlines of the distant peaks...everything is a grey mist in the distance.




But, despite the stomach problem, the back problem, and now again a little stomach activity (seems that everyone has been saying the same thing...it's as if there is something in the air here which you pick up-perhaps the open sewage flowing combined with the warmer weather? Can't be healthy for you!)....But with all the recent changes in weather, including today...the past week was very dry and now this rain, my hip is fine and I know, and am thankful each day, for what the Pancha Karma has done for me!!

4 PM...WOW!! Now it is hailing!! 3,4,5 thunder clpas one after the other and of course now the power is off as well. but I have anice candle.

Well, the mist seems to be finally lifting now from the far peaks so perhaps the owrst is now on us and will be over soon. The wind seems to have died down and the thunder continues but is growing more distant. An end seems in sight!

4:30. All clear over the peaks now although the thunder and lightening has gotten closer again. But I'm sure this is the tail end. No more wind now, only soft rain, although still persistent.

In the end, it was over just in time to go out for dinner. I didn't have my camera and wished I had, as a whole group of people, many from Rishikesh, got together for Sushi and we spent a lovely 3 hours of great fun together! Such interesting topics of conversation and such pleasant international company. I am feeling, as always, truly blessed!

Wednesday, May 2nd

Today I went for my treatment with Dhondup, the Tibetan Western trained physiotherapist who I met many years ago here. He has found the perfect way of combining modern techniques with the ancient and proven medicine of Tibet. He did not just treat my lower back pain, but, as with all ancient forms of medicine, treated me holistically. First, when I came in, he said "You don't look well!". He knows me so I guess he could see something. So he took my pulse (the Tibetan system also uses pulse for diagnosis) and found my energy levels at a bare minimum and both my stomach and liver problematic. So he put together a combo of Tibetan Massage, modern physiotherapy techniques, hot herbal bundles and even a Tibetan singing bowl to treat not only my back, but my general condition and get all things back into harmony. My weakness is caused by the liver problem (but he doesn't know what caused the liver problem)...He remembered me very well it seems and I was quite surprised. He has such a thriving practice here but remembered I stay at Kailwood and that I had sent him many clients... I am now a few hours after the treatment and my lower back seems to be a little looser, and although he wanted to give me another session tomorrow, he does not have room until Sunday, when I have an appointment. He asked me to rest for the next few days yet, not because of my back, but because of my weakened state, so will do my best not to do too much walking...but I am really bored already.

Today went down to this fabulous restaurant I already wrote about, and then had the very long, very very steep walk back up, but it was worth it. You can see from the pictures, not only some lovely people I met for lunch today, some the same as last night, but also the lovely dishes we ate. And of course the restaurant itself. The pictures do not do justice to this very special corner of luxury in the middle of nowhere! It is still raining today by the way, but on and off, and thought to see a movie later, but nothing good playing. So will just eat dinner and have an early night.













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The Monkey in one of the previous pics comes to visit me sometimes outside my window!

Tomorrow I have a Reiki treatment. As I mentioned, I had decided I wanted to go back to work and no sooner did I decide, than this request for a treatment came along....

That's about it for today
Namaste
Jane

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India Journal 2006 #46 April 20th...AND NOW IT BEGINS!

Took my first walk to Dharamkot today, up to the mountains I so love. Woke at 6, finished my morning stuff and was down to breakfast at 8 but most of the restaurants were still closed. Ate at Nickes and then headed up for my first walk to Dharamkot. As you can see from the pics, THESE things do not change. I was up on the mountain by 9 and it was still quiet...just the sound of my footstpes, and the birds and cicadas could be heard. I've shot a couple of vidoes but like the others, they will wait until I get home to post. I had trouble picking and choosing so there are just lots of pics here....click "read more" to see the rest:









BELOW...THE END OF THE RHODENDANDRUNS BLOOMING...MISSED THEM IN ALL THERE GLORY!




JUST SOME LOVELY VIEWS...NOTE THE ONES WITH A SMALL TOWN IN THE DISTANCE? THAT'S MCLEOD WHERE I AM STAYING.

















Easy up and easy back...I'm not really in shape for all this walking and was a little concerned...especially since I have sent home my hiking boots and was just wearing my regular sneakers...But I feel a new vitality, renewed energies since the Panchakarma. It would have been easier on my legs and feet with the boots, especially the steep downhill parts, but not as pleasant and comfortable walking. And nothing hurts so I assume all is well.

SOME PICS HERE OF PRAYER FLAGS BLOWING IN THE BREEZE...AND SOME OF THE LOVELY FLOWERS BLOOMING ON THE ROCKS AND SIDES OF THE ROAD...














BELOW SMALL ALTERS MADE FROM ROCKS...YOU MUST WALK PAST THEM FROM THE LEFT




AND THE FLOWERS;












BELOW SOME WOMEN ON A ROAD WORK TEAM ON MY WAY DOWN...



But my spirits are restored and I now know what keeps bringing me back here. Despite the town, the mountain doesn't change! Came back in time for lunch and, as you can see from one of the pics, the clouds were already rolling in from the mountain,


and by the time lunch was over, it was pouring. It seems to rain every day here! So checked out the movies and made it just in time for "Little Miss Sunshine", which was lovely. I recommend it.

Now back in my room, it's after 4. Hope to begin posting today but now must pack as tomorrow is moving day. Yuck!

Well, finished my packing as you can see, and finally have some pictures to share with you as well. The posts lately have been very boring I know.

Namaste
Jane

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India Journal 2006- Adventures in Delhi #2 - Just Another Perfect Day

Wednesday Evening, April 11th... Delhi Part 2
What a lovely day! (Mostly). Ilse never turned up...don't know why, but I don't know where sheis staying and she doesn't have e-mail. But I now realize I was meant to be on my own here in Delhi and it is great.

After breakfast however, I started feeling funny in my stomach only to discover I had diarrhea, which I NEVER get. I think perhaps the ice cream on the train...not that it was spoiled...but cold is very bad for my vatta and I have been avoiding it in all forms since doing Panchakarma. And perhaps the sudden cold
was not good for me. Or perhaps, as I mentioned in part 1 of this post, ALL the food in general on the train which was not good for me....Anyway, before going to the train station to get my ticket, I saw an ayurveda chemist right next door to my hotel and he gave me something to take. He looked at me and simply said "You're Vatta, travel and food and weather changes not good for you...by tomorrow you feel better for sure". And I do already feel better. Not much appetite but that is better as the food here is not wholesome and fresh as I am used to and I will probably begin eating better again once I get to McLeod.

Came back from getting my ticket which was a breeze, ate come jeera rice and then rested for a few hours. then got dressed and decided to see how much of my Paharganj shopping I could get done.

And guess what?!? I got the shoes right across the street...a pair for Shlomit and surprisingly, 2 pair for me. And then I went to the incense place and bought 3 KG (!) of various incense hich should last everyone for awhile. And then the bead shop. The guy remembered me, mainly as Abdellaji's friend. I bought 10 KG (!) of a variety of beads. Altogether only 150 shekel but another big bite into my India budget...1500 rupees plus another 2000 rupees for postage! The most expensive present I've ever brought here so far but it should serve 2 or even three people...Chanale, Dani and even Elisheva.

He will send the beads, theincense , shoes and anything else extra I collect over the next couple of days in a parcel for me. I've stopped thinking about money and am just enjoying the thrills of shoping for presents.

Tomorrow I go to get clothes for myself.

The big change is, I seem to have released my remainign fears of travel, Delhi, etc., and feel one with India completely. I am walking around in Paharganj in flip flops which may seem like no big deal to most of you, but I've never walked around here in anything but closed shoes. And suddenly, it just seems so easy and right to be completely at ease here. I don't even feel particularly hot today. Just walked around, didn't get hassled at all. Even practiced my new Hindi phrases in the shoe shop. First I asked in English for a discount on the 3 pairs of shoes but was told "Not possible...already cheap price Madam". Then I said "Iska dam, camka dijihe" and this big grin came onto the salesman face, as well as the other people in the shop who heard and he immediately gave me a 70 rupee discount which was quite nice...more than I would have expected. For me this is a real triumph as I am TERRIBLE about bargaining and usually don't even bother! And it is also so nice when a few simple words in Hindi can make people so happy!

Got back to my room with ALL my shopping done in less than 2 hours and ordered supper and when I turned o n the TV, Friends had just began.

So now, after a nice hot shower, supper and Friends, I am getting ready to sleep and quite relaxed and happy.

Yes...it's really been a lovely day!

Namaste
Jane

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India Journal 2006 #31 March 25-26 - Just Another Day

March 25th
Well, today I had decided to have copies made of the ugly Issta backpack I use all the time, but which is so comfortable for me. The tailor here said he could do it so will be going down to look for a nice wall hanging to use as fabric. (In the end, I didn't find any, and the next day-actually this morning-I went into the market as well with no luck). I am also on my way to the astrologer but am now sitting at the German Bakery over the Laxsman Jula Bridge
eating a nice breakfast. In the end, the astrologer was not there (he was supposed to arrive back from Europe today, will have to look for him again in a couple of days)...as mentioned, no fabric found, but did find a really nice book shop. Will come back one day. Got some more of the Tulsi I am now taking to send home and spent the rest of the day surrounded by people who needed by "services". Went to bed early, and to my great surprise, first my daughter Shira called, and then, after falling sound asleep, my daughter Elisheva also called. We had great converstaions and I really like this idea of the mobile with me. I do not let it intrude on my life here, but having when I need it is really great.

March 26th
Woke up this morning to go down to the market with Ilse but in the end, as mentioned, no luck. Was not feeling to well so we stopped at the Welcome Center, had a snack and then took a rickshaw up...fell asleep and woke up feeling even worse...finally realized why. There is a Chamsin outside, and this always does me in...not so much the heat, but the dryness...so I will rest the rest of the day...I am now sitting in an Air Conditioned !! internet place and it is lovely...

Nandu, the owner, had another discussion with me, and from everything he says, he is quite serious. But he is an India, so I still have no expectations. He will be putting my name and website in his brochure so that will be good advertisement for ME anyway. Tomorrow he is supposed to take me up to see the Spa.

He seems to be perfectly willing to wait until NEXT August for me to come back. And guess what? The doctor who will be running the Panchakarma treatments at the spa is Dr. Arora. the same doc I've been talking with ...so I am in very good company.

Nandu is also trying to convince me to bring a group of "rich old ladies" with me in February. Maybe it is also something which will work out. I will be in touch with him by e-mail and tell him my ideas, and if can make all the local arrangements, it could be a good deal for me.

Also will look into getting a business visa when I get back to Tel Aviv which would let me stay here longer than 6 months at a time.

I finally got my package put together today as well and it is being parcelled up as I sit here...then I just have to get someone to help me get it to the post office. It weighs almost 20 KG.

Will also be using some fabric the tailor here has to make my new back pack, similar to the Tibetan, and Nepalese fabrics used so often in Dharamsala, and I think it should come out quite nice.

I had wanted to write a couple of difficult stories I've heard the last few days, but will leave it for another day. Don't really have the energy right now, despite the AC.

So, this is a fairly boring post, but still sent with love.

Namaste
Jane

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India Journal 2006- #29 March 24th-Out of Order but Nice

I will be writing about yesterday when I come back here tomorrow (hope ;you understood that sentence), but I have such wonderful news to share from this morning that I didn't want to wait so I will take the time now to just write about today ...so far...it is now 3 in the afternoon, and I've already been at the computer for over an hour, but needed to catch up with other important stuff as well...so, my day today:

I had decided to make an appointment for a second consultation with the Ayurveda doctor I had seen a week after finishing my Panchakarma if you remember. That means I came to see him the first time 3 weeks ago. I will not rehash what he said then, as I'm sure you remember, and if not you can check it out for yourself if it is important for you...but I arrived this morning with a list of questions and just
wanting to hear in general what he said. I have been feeling much better lately and assumed that part of that was due to my better eating habits, and wanted to see if there was any validation for how I was feeling, as well as find out if there was anything I could do once I got home to maximize the effects for as long as possible, until I could get back here.

I walked in and he was very pleased to see me, and spent an unusually long time checking my pulse. He had opened my file and it was almost as if he wasn't quite sure he was "seeing" right, and kept rechecking. In the end, after also checking my tongue and eyes, and with a big smile on his face, he said"I guess even 2 weeks of panchakarma works!". "You are 100% better than the first time I checked you" (I was also told that the full effect of Panchakarma kicks in after 2-3 weeks and I've also been more careful about my diet the last couple of weeks).
"Your doshas are all in balanced...your Vatta is a little high but this is perfectly normal for your age. You are very well!".

Also told me less walking and I do feel better when I don't overdo walking. Said to walk slowly to one place and then sit and enjoy that place and then even take a rickshaw back home afterwards. And this is pretty much what I've been doing since it has gotten hotter. "Too much movement not good for you...take all things slowly...reduce stress...let God worry...You don't have to!" (I LOVE this guy). "And you should be fine until you get back here in February".

He prescribed some general body strengther and immune system enchancer which he said may even save me from the pollution in Delhi. Too bad I didn't ask him sooner, but will begin today and buy ehough for 6 months as he suggested.

Then I had a lovely breakfast at Welcome Center (took a rishshaw down). I even met my neighbor Suavamir, who is also doing Panchakarma and we walked back along the banks of the Ganga. Warm but pleasant breeze down there and certainly much nicer than walking on the main road.

And now sitting with Deepak and Vivek for a visit. As I walked in they both had a look of amazement on their faces. Seems just last night they had discussed something and decided to call me today and ask me to come over!! Seems they want me to come this week and teach THEM Reiki...but I told them I have declared this time vacation time for myself and will probably say know. Will let them know tomorrow.

Decided to walk along in Ram Jula and on the way I finally found something for the boys as well. I think they will like it (or not)..not T-shirts (which I bought in the end for the "big boys" in my life...just to let them know I am thinking of them as well. If they don't fit, or fall apart, they will still make good dust rags!. For the "little" boys I got these cute Indian fabric shirts with collar and short sleeves, but cotten, not T-shirt... moe dress or sport shirt style. Hope they like them.

Will really have to get this package together now and send it off.

I am now sitting at Green restaurant, eating pasta for the first time in 2 weeks and thoroughly enjoying it.

I keep discovering new and lovely thigns about Rishikesh and really look forward to coming back here. It is a MUCH easier place to be than Dharamsala, especially nowt that I've been asked not to do much walking, particularly uphill!

I still find it so peaceful here. Like an oasis of calm in the hassle of the world.

Did a couple Tarot readins yesterday for other people in the guesthouse and had a long pleasant evening. This morning I awke for the first time with no strong wind blowing in the trees. And so it was even more pleasant doing my morning stuff on the terrace.

I am loving my new sandals and enjoy every step I take in them.

The need for a laptop has become more and more clear to me each day and I go down to the internet and fail to complete my "daily assignemtn", and again find myself backed up....

I will end here and get this lovely post off to all of you with my love.
Namaste
Jane

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India Journal 2006 #16 March 1-2 - Doctor, Walk and Baba on the Bridge

March 1st

Well, it is still raining but not as hard as yesterday and not quite as cold so decided to get out anyway. (Yesterday I spent the whole day near my room, with everyone else...we had some fun, lots of laughter etc...rainy days can also be fun). I was still interested in seeing another Ayurveda doctor here so decided it would be a good day to do this. I hadn't written about this before, but I've had some kind of gut feeling that, despite all the wonderful changes I have felt since my treatments, that something was still not complete...don't know WHY I felt this way, just did, and decided to check further.

There is a local clinic just 5 minutes from where I am staying which I had originally tried contacting be e-mail while I was still deciding where to do the threatments. They never replied and this gave me a bad feeling so I forgot about it. (Turns out the contact information I was given was out of date...
but I believe that there is a reason for everything and that I was directly to Vivek's place for a definite purpose...) So, I went over and asked for an appointment, and he was able to check me then and there as I purposely went before breakfast...He is a well known doctor here with many credentials and highly regarded by the local people as well. He apologized for my not being able to contact him and was very gracious and spoke English very well and gave me a comprehensive consultation.

I mentioned to him immediately that I had already done Panchakarma and finished just a few days ago. He proceeded to check me...gave me his diagnosis, and then I asked him if he thought I needed to do further Panchakarma (after what he told me...bare with me). His reply was "Not to worry...what you did is good...enjoy your life and good health...not to worry...next year you come back and then do again here with me...not to worry...no need to worry now..." etc. So first he put my mind at ease and basically told me that what I did was good, simply not enough for my age.

What he told me was, aside from telling me about my body type etc., which I already know, and giving me further diet advice (I have a further session with him on Monday for a more in depth discussion of diet)...was that 2 weeks of Panchakarma is fine for a healthy person, under 45, who simply wants to detox. Over 45 you need a minimum of 3 weeks and over 6, 6 weeks!!! to get the full benefit. He said the treatment I did detoxed me about 75% but "not to worry...you will be OK for long time"...Didn't want me to be upset and said it will still be OK for a long time as long as I eat properly. Just to enjoy the benefits and my freedom from pain and stiffness...

He also charges much less...charges foreigners the same price as local people so it is about 1/2 the price per session, or even less.

Truth is, I could not have done a 3rd week here even if I had originally decided to...next year, I will prepare myself in advance for a longer period of time...and if I really need it sooner, will come back in the fall instead of a year from now.

I am in no way disturbed that I went where I went this trip, and look forward to seeing him next year.

He says I am basically healthy and not to be too concerned about eating. Just do the best I can and enjoy life. Similar to what the other doc told me. Says the beauty of Ayurveda is that it is made to work for normal people who enjoy life and food etc., Just make sure I drink enough water each day and keep away from cold stuff which I usually do anyway. If you make a big deal out of eating habits, you loose the zest for life and this is very unhealthy.

I also asked about the matter of dairy products being bad for arthritis as I came to believe from my knowlege and study of Western naturopathy etc. and yet in ayurveda I am always told that cheese is fine...he said as a matter of fact, that the only dairy product NOT good for me is yogurt...the exact opposite of what I've been following the last 15 years. And then he said something interesting: "You've been eating like that for 15 years...how much has it helped your arthritis? Now try ayurveda eating for 15 years and see what happens!!".. I thought that was a good point and so decided to get out of my old eating habits and try something completely new (which is why I am having the further session with him for more specific advice).

I look forward to my further session with him on Monday...I will also be doing several more massages, just on my back, which he says will remove further toxins from the arthritic hip and will give just a little bit more balance to my system. He originally didn't want to do this, explaining that I should just relax into what I already did, but agreed with me that these back, particularly lower back, massages would help. He explained that these type of toxins are stored, and released through the lower back area and the massage could do alot for me...so Monday I will have a few more massages for a few days as well. At 200 rupee (20 shekel) apiece!!

Following this meeting, I went upstairs to the restaurant we ate in that night and waited 1 1/2 hours for our food...but figured at that time of the day it would be fairly empty..which it was.

And since the doc said that cheese and tomatoes were both good for me, I ordered a tomato cheese omelette for breakfast and thoroughly enjoyed it.

So, looking forward to new ideas and approaches to living...will make things interesting to say the least.

March 2nd
Today dawned beautiful and sunny and decided to get out. I had eaten dinner thali at a nearby guesthouse run by Mamaji for the past two evenings, and met this interesting Canadian man that I think I mentioned is travelling the world after retiring with the not so easily offered consent of his family. So I met him this morning just before breakfast and we spent some time together over breakfast which was fun.
Then I went out. Just exploring...and the weather was so perfect, that I was out for several hours, walked at least 5 km. mostly flat but some up and down...bascially easy walking to one bridge, down and over to the other bank than 2 1/2 km. to the next bridge but I continued down the Ganges as far as I could go, don't know how far it was, finally ate lunch at a nice restaurant and then all the way back up to High Bank. I didn't realize how much sun I had gotten as it was not hot, just breezy and beautiful, but I am feeling it a little now with a heavy head. Also didn't drink enough I guess but who cares. I had a GREAT day! No camera again, but always so many things to photograph.

A funny think happened to me on the Laxman Jula bridge...a baba approached me (like a Holy man) with his puja (ceremonial) tray and without asking, put vermillion on my forhead, asked me to take marigolds as an offering, tied a string to my left hand, had me repeat some mantra after him and throw the marigold offering into the Holy Ganges...and then gave me my personal blessing in the form of a dried out rose (still smelling lovely) and little white things which looked like popcorn (but of course aren't)...this all happened in a zip and then of course he asked for money, which annoyed me so gave him 20 rupees, which annoyed him, so I felt better!

But it reminded me of the Chabad guys who hang around in airports, bus stations and city centers, stopping men to put on Tefillin and say the blessings...It was just a pleasant experience...another fun thing in India.

And now I am here, and then off to dinner...it's Friday night. Tomorrow begins the holiday of Holi here which I mentioned involves throwing colored chalked mixed with water on people...but the main shenanigans are not until Sunday...will let you know how it goes.

Namaste to all
Jane

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India Journal 2006 #15 February 27-Insights and Thoughts

DETOXIFICATION ON EVERY LEVEL AND THE OPENING OF CHANNELS TO RECEIVE EVEN MORE FROM
GOD AND THE UNIVERSE

You may find this post interesting, or perhaps not and that is why I have noted in the title that it is mosting insights and thoughts about personal issues, so feel free to skip it on wait for something more interesting. In general, this trip is different from my other trips, (each trip has its own character anyway, but due to the nature of this trip, there really is not much "travelogue" stuff in it in general).

Well, after getting back to my room last night after 11, full of adrenalin and just plain good fun from the wonderful company and general nonsense talk of the whole evening, I found myself awake the entire night, not falling into a peaceful sleep until 6 AM. I awoke at 8:30 as usual, so the day was strange anyway, and spent most of it in my room...eating in the room, and finally, as a finale


having an amazing session with a young girl here...but that will be coming later.

Once I realized I would not be falling asleep, I figured I would make the most of my time and started out doing a couple of interesting, deep cleansing meditations. I figured they were in place following the physical (what I assumed was completely physical) detox I got with the panchakarma. That took up some time, and then still feeling completely awake, decided to do a full Reiki session, thinking it would relax me into sleep as it usually does. No such luck. While doing the Reiki as I usually do, almost every day, I had a profound breathing experience where I had the sensation of every pore in my body breathing...I could literally feel the breath, the air, going in and out of all the pores in my body, from legs up to my head. I felt completely energized in a very direct way, and felt as if I had slept for several hours by the time all this was over. To top it all off, I received a "message" which I was asked to pass on word for word to a young girl who I had spoken to briefly here. She was one of the girls at our laughing dinner in the evening, but I knew pretty much nothing about her personally, except her name and that she had a great smile and loved to laugh. The message was delivered basically the same way my own messages are given to me, but this is the first time I have ever been sent a message for another person! It spooked me a little bit and wasn't even sure I had understood correctly, but in the end, I decided to meditate again during the day on the matter, and I asked that if this message was INDEED for this girl, that she should come to my room to see me. (We had spoke very quickly about her coming around "one day" for a Tarot reading...never setting a date or anything). The second I finished my meditation, there was a knock on my door...guess who it was!?!? I will write more about this later...in the proper order of events.

And then I began to relax into myself and "things" began to come together...so the rest may not seem completely orderly, but I am putting down here things I understood that night and other things that followed in consequence the next day through to yesterday evening....

I have once again been placed in the role of Mataji, Mother, as I always seem to be in the end. The nurturing person who takes care of all the "children"...many of them almost my age, but never mind. I become the Mother figure very quickly. But in the past it has mostly been for girls and women. This time I have some guys in the picture as well. Perhaps this will finally give me some insights into the heart of my own son who I seem to be completely out of touch with.

In addition, many of the people I have met here are reflecting back to me issues I am still working on and lessons which I am still dealing with. "Proper listening", fear of getting to new places alone(even when walking, not only when driving), and opening the heart to loving relationships with the opposite sex. These 3 types have all come into my life as multiple examples over the past few weeks since I arrived here. I see through them, clearing, where I was, and how far I have indeed come in these 3 issues, but also where I still have to work.

When I finally awoke to a dreary, windy morning, I decided to order breakfast in my room, listen to music and just take a "day off" from vacationing! Music, reading, cards, maybe even dance a little in my room...and here is the next fascinating thing which occurred.

I was listening to Rikudei Am (Israeli folkdancing which I 've been dancing regularly for about 30 years)...I haven't felt like dancing since several months before my Father passed last October. Which means 7-8 months I haven't danced...the longest I've gone without dancing in all those years.

While listening to the music, all of a sudden I got the urge to get up and dance! I have a picture of my father always in my room, and I felt him looking at me with his lovely smile and saying "Go dance already, will ya!"...Turned to look at his picture and he is glowing with joy for me. So I finished my breakfast and began dancing right away. All the years I've danced, my father had never seen me actually dancing. Today he watched me for the full hour and we both had a great time!!!

Considering I hadn't danced in so long, and hadn't slept most of the night, I'm proud of myself and worked up a good sweat in the bargain. It's windy and cold so that was great. But I also realized something else re the Panchakarma treatments (and perhaps the cleansing meditation during the night, the reiki and breathing experience all added to this effect). My appetite had returned already a couple of days ago, but things were sitll not back to normal completely. This morning was the first time since my digestive system was shut down for cleansing by the treatments, that "what went in, finally began to come out". It was a way of saying: "You're completely cleansed of all toxins...including emotional ones, and ready to begin as fresh as new...and I immediately afterwards felt like dancing!

The whole nite of not sleeping, complex thoughts and issues continued to surface hour after hour...more detoxification of negativity in all forms...

Following all this...I did my nails and by then it was lunchtime, which I also had in my room.

The day passed and then, as mentioned above, I began contemplating the "message" which I had received during the night for this young girl. And, as mentioned, just as I requested validation etc., she knocked on my door.

I was amazed, and she was as well when I told her what had happened...about the message I received for her and my just finishing a meditation regarding the message and asking for her to come to me if I was truly meant to pass it on to her.

We spoke for awhile...I won't go into personal details, but it turns out that EXACTLY what I was told to pass on to her, were the answers to questions she has been asking for the past number of days about a certain aspect of her personal life. In addition, we did a tarot reading which gave much clarity to the issue, I gave her "homework" and she will come back in 3 days and we will continue. I was quite shaken by the whole thing and had a long "session" afterwards in a meditative state as well. It was all quite profound and uplifting...and I slept sooooooooo peacefully last night.

I woke to a really cold and rainy, today was just a "hanging around" day...but I am feeling very well and very pleased with all the last couple have days have brought me and taught me.

I am truly loved and blessed.
Namaste
Jane

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India Journal 2006 #13 Feb 25th-Shopping and Great Restaurant to Recommend

Before I begin writing this new post, just wanted to let you know that if you go back to the previous post with the pictures from the Market, I have added some descriptive words...but it will not arrive with Feedblitz again so just go take a look if you are curious as to what the pictures are...

Now, Sunday, February 25th...

Went down to Ram Jula today with a lovely lady named Shakti from Australia who is now basically living in China and India..(One of these days I promise to tell you a little something about all the lovely poeple I am meeting here)...
Shakti wanted to meet Vivek and make an appointment for a consultation with my doctor, so I took her over first to meet them. It was lovely seeing them again after not seeing them for awhile, and of course Deepak was all smiles as well as a big hug which surprised me coming from an Indian man...but as I said, he is very special and full of love, for life, for people, in general. We spoke for awhile, then Shakti made an appointemnt, and then we went shopping back across the bridge. I got 3 nice blouses and 3 pair of trousers and 2 lightweight shawels and now I am set for the next few weeks here. I might even have someone take my picture to show off the clothing, but I really had being photographed...so...

Then I decided to start to explore Laxsman Jula, the other bridge area which is 2 km. upstream but closer to my guesthouse. Two people had recommended a restaurant which is run in an orphanage that is run by an American lady (the website is : www.sayyesnow.org. if anyone is interested in more information. I will check it out myself today as well. At any rate...

it is located down some small path which twists and turns ever downward until finally you wind up in this Utopia kind of hideaway sourrounded by greeen fields, vegetable gardens, flowers, trees, and the building housing the restaurant itself is designed so beautifully...definitely american thinking...so calming a relaxing. Next time I am there I will take some pictures...easier than trying to describe...

It was not easy getting there, but it was worth the effort. I just finished eating the India meal of the day. They have a very small set menu with 2 different specials each day, one Western (today was lasagne) and one Indian. But this was the most delicious and satisfying meal I have eaten ANYWHERE, not just in India, for quite some time. Everything is organic and grown here at the orphanage. The setting and ambience just adds to the taste of the food. I had organic brown rice with perfectly cooked veggies just picked and cooked, and dahl made from mung and chickpeas...perfectly seasoned. And a sidedish of some seasoned yogurt dish with pokora...a vegetable which I think might be Jerusalem Artichoke, but I am not sure...absolutely delicious. I drank "yogi tea" which ended the meal perfectly.

Next time I think I will have a large fresh salad and some home made brown bread and butter.

It is not cheap but worth every rupee. I left satisfied and not just in my stomach, and everything which I am allowed on my diet is perfectly prepared here.

Following this I continued down to the bridge just to explore...walked around for awhile longer, and finally got back to my guesthouse around 4 PM, tired but happy. I had Tulsi tea which I brewed my self in my room with the new glass and electric water heater I bought in Rishikesh the other day, together with some dried fruits, and then took a nap. All in all a lovely day, which finally ended with yoga when I awoke, then a light dinner, hot shower and music and reading until about 10 PM when I went soundly to sleep.

I have been having some very strange and vivid dreams since I did the panchakarma but I basically sleep very soundly and wake refreshed each morning. this morning I did my morning stuff as well as full yoga program and then went to eat a lovely breakfast of porridge with fruit...Delicious and filling...and for a change I am at the internet in the morning instead of the evening.

I am now on my way down to a palm reader...wonder what he will have to say.

That's it for now..
Namaste to all
Jane

This morning (Monday, 26th)I woke

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Aurveda Panchakarma Treatments #13-14 FINISHED!

It's over and I will SUMMARIZE THE RESULTS to date...what will happen in the future waits to be seen but I am confident that I will feel well for quite a long time...even up to a year and then I will come again!

Treatment #13 - I'm glad it's the last one before the final cleansing and consultation with the doctor who will explain how to slowly go back to regular eating habits and answer lots of other questions I have. Vivek said I can have chapati today!!! (It was DELICIOUS but could barely finish it!). Tomorrow I have the day off as it is local State election day, and then my final treatment..

Treatment #14 and Summary of results

I just had the greatest facial of my life! And done by a man to boot! This was the final surprise of my last treatment which eneded with my eyes, ears and nose being cleaned with various drops and massage after my final full massage and steam (which I didn't have since it wasn't working...turned out later there was no gas in the gas balloon!- but I had a nice hot "bath" instead...I would have preferred the steam...really enjoyed those). And then this wonderful facial.

the doctor then spoke to me and explained how to slowly return to my regular diet (as he originally gave me) and if I want to "cheat" every so often,
it is OK. I like this about him! He is not fanatic and this is what I believe also. Wee need to feed our soul as well as our stomach and sometimes a good cup of coffee, or pasta or piece of cake or whatever is needed. For now it is still liquid kind of diet, mung dahl (explored today and found a couple of restaurants near my guesthouse that are willing to prepare this for me) and veggie soup and porridge and perhaps a chapati. But I don't yet have much of an appetite so I am fine. I lost 3 kilo but it is different than when you simply loose weight. all the "yucky" stuff in the middle is gone! Like I was 10 years ago...wonder how long that will stay that way?

I will also slowly get back to a full yoga program but the lovely program Deepak gave me will remain with me always...first as a full program in itself, and then later, according to how I feel, as a warm-up to further yoga practice. Of course my pranayama and meditation stay the same as always...I am quite pleased.

Aside: I started getting a rash on my back several days ago and figured it was from the oil or the detox and since I don't like to complain, didn't say anything figuring it would be gone quickly. But it kept getting worse and today I asked Vivek. With a twinkle in his eye he said he was surprised that I hadn't said anything until now! He was waiting for this. Says many people get this rash on their face (aren't I the lucky one) but some also on the back and it is toxins coming out and may take up to a week to disappear on its own...and try not to scratch it!!

Doc also said that my 2-3 liters of water a day is fine...even more in summer. but definitely no yogurt in the morning. If I don't want porridge then either herbal tea and bread and butter, or fruit is OK. And that I asked about dairy products and my keeping away for over 12 years now - as I was convinced from reading that it was part of the cause of my arthritis and of course mucous and sinus problems. He says I MUST go back to dairy products and he is the 3rd ayurveda doctor to tell me this. Samll amolunts of cheese are fine and BOILED milk once a day is very important for MY body type. Funny...all those years I never missed giving up meat...but cheese was always difficult for me. And then I was also told to stay away from salt a year ago by an oesteopath who also said it caused arthritis...I've always loved salty food and this has been very hard for me. But now it seems salty is one of the tastes that are important in a Vatta (my body type) diet. So, we must ALWAYS listen to our bodies ...they are very wise!

He also prescribed a detox supplement taken in capsule form which he wants me to take on a regular basis. He says it will help keep my body cleansed...and if I do overindulge at times, I will know right away as I will get pain in my hip...this is a sign that the detox is working and this is where I will feel it. So I will get these also to bring home with me.

Other than that, the whole thing is quite amazing. I feel soooooooooo good. And with the original cold and rainy weather and then the sudden switch to warm and dry, I should have been suffering constantly since I arrived here. I have not had a pain (except for my neck and shoulder while sitting at this damn computer) since the 3rd day of treatment. It was worth every penny...and inconvenience...and unpleasantry to have this done and look forward to next year when I will do it again. I highly recomment it to anyone...
Namaste
Jane

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Ayurveda Panchakarma Treatments #10-12-I FEEL GREAT!!!

Well, treatment #10 was similar to yesterday with even more emphasis on lower and outer extremities...and this seems to progress from day to day....I feel as if the toxins are being squeezed, wrung, grinded and stripped out of me in every possible way. I am eating almost nothing and very weak, my head is lite, a slight headachy feeling (read further to see the vast imporvement in this situation), but I spoke to Vivek about it and he says he was already expecting this reaction several days ago and is not surprised or worried at all. Says it may last until a couple of days AFTER the whole treatment and then my appetite will return as will a renewed energy level.

I have to take his word for it and I found

some apples for sale today and bought them to keep as a snack in the room. It helped to settle my stomach this afternoon so I didn't feel as quesy as yesterday.

Treatment #11 - Unpleasant still but once I got home I was actually feeling very well, contrary to the past few days. All of a sudden, despite the small amount of food I am eating, I am no longer hungry and quite energized. The weather has also turned fabulous....clear clean air, glorious sunshine...slight breeze...just perfect.

Same evening: Did yoga for the first time in several days and it was EASY! My whole body feels loose and lubricated...I find myself moving as I usually do when getting up from a chair or from lying down, moving slowly and with caution in anticipation of sudden, momentary stiffness and pain. To my great surprise, there is no resistance or pain anywhere! I had gotten so used to this wary moving about it surprises me each time I move so effortlessly!

I was looking to get relief from hip pain...never even thought of the general effect this would have on my body. Never even realized how much I had become accustomed to thea lessening of flexibilty in my whole body and the need to move carefully. It is quite amazing how this has all changed!

This morning, before going for treatment #12, I did Udiyana Bandha for the first time in many days (a type of yoga breathing technique which sucks in the whole abdominal region bringing the front of the body inwards, upwards and back towards the spine-you may have seen pictures of yogis doing this)...it is a wonderful massage for all the internal organs and I generally do it each morning first thing. I always get a very good concave inward pull of the abdomen, but today, my stomach seem to touch my back! It was quite extraordinary...I've really had every bit of "stuff" which is not supposed to be in there scooped out and I am really, truly clean. I've also lost lots of weight, don't know how much yet, but it is a very pleasant feeling.

Treatment #12 was again similar, but the enema was not quite as traumatic as I am pretty much emptied out already...tomorrow is the last one.

I am feeling sooooooooooo wonderful....so energized....so light....and of course not only pain free but stiffness free...my joints seem to have been lubricated and no longer "squeak"!!!

Another extra added attraction...the skin of my face is flawless. All those little blemishes on the chin and roughness around the nose etc....my face is just smooth as a baby's.

So,,,will end here...two more days to go.

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Ayurveda Panchakarma Treatments #8-9 Down to the Nitty Gritty

I woke the morning of the 15th quite energiezed, with the sun shining, and walked down to my treatment after doing my regular "morning stuff", including some pranayama/meditation/yoga, hot shower, porridge. Today they will begin the internal cleansing regimen and not really looking forward to it.

Treatment #8 - consisted again of a full body massage but the character of the massages has changed I have noted. While each massage is a full body massage, the first week's main emphasis was on the trunk portion of the body, the massages have now moved their emphasis to the extremities. Makes sense if you think of it as cleansing is something which must begin deep within and gradually work its way out....
Following the always lovely massage

I had a full steam box bath but with different herbs than the ones last week. I really enjoy these. And then of course the internal detox began. I will spare you the details, but I had my first enema and will just say that it is not easy. Not because it is terrible unpleasant as I had expected it to be, but it is just completely debilitating energy wise, and also kills the appetite. I could barely eat anything for lunch afterwards, and walking home was difficult. The rest of the next few days I was advised to eat as much of a liquid diet as possible, meaning plain dahl, soups, herbal teas etc., and lots of ghee or melted butter for lubrication. Well, I didn't feel like eating anything at all and had some tea and went to sleep.
In the evening I was a little hungry so had a bowl of plain vegetable soup, and after a short while, simply went to sleep early and slept a full 12 hours.

Treatment #9 - Again, a lovely massage with further emphasis on the extremities and face area, full steam and then an enema. I spoke to Vivek who explained the process and the reasoning behind it. Each day different herbs are used, sometimes with water, sometimes with oil, and each consecutive treatment does further cleaning. He compared the intestine to a pipe which, after years of use gets blocked, even if we eat perfectly and think all is well. The first enema removes the easy stuff, and yesterday was definitely easier than today. Afterwards, what remains in the pipe is the accumulation of years of debris which becomes stuck to the walls like rust on the walls of the pipe, and literally must be "scraped off" a little at a time until everything is removed. This is the purpose of the repeated enemas...

All I can tell you is, it is going to be a horror of 5 more days. This is difficult. I am tired, weak and have no appetite, still have to go back and forth each day, but I must tell you that I have absolutely no pain anywhere in my body for some days now and so it is definitely working. what Vivek further explained, is that most people stop the treatment after the pleasant part and then results are limited in time because the body is still filled with debris. It is this second stage which is supposed to guarantee long lasting results from the panchakarma. Even a year or more. But this of course is something we will have to wait to find out about.

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Ayurveda Panchakarma Treatments #4-7 Sum Up of Results to Date

Treatment #4-Deepak did this treatment and it was superb. Amazing hands, perfect touch. Full body not herbal bundles. First they are heated a tapped all over and then he uses them to massage my alternating between his hands and the bundles...heaven! I could use one of these everyday of my life! Then I had an oil drip on my forehead plus a head massage. It is actually amazingly relaxing to my surprise. Then a "sponge" bath while still on the table. Lunch and then home in the rain head full of oil. But I had plenty of hot water and it washed out easily.

Treatment #5- Same wonderful herbal bundle massage with Deepak again and then local steam. Particular careon back but just pure luxury all over. Again lunch and then home.


Treatment #6 - Vivek did this treatment and he has a much lighter touch, seems to use his hands differently, but when I asked he said each person is expert in certain types of massages for certain results which are expected from that particular technique and that is why they change as necessary and as presribed by the doctor. Not just by chance, but with purpose and forethought. Full body massage again but differnt emphasis and particular work on lower back where I mentioned I have some new pain. He says that and my head cold are part of the detox process and the doctor will see me tomorrow anyway.
following the massage, hot towels all over my body and then the forehead drip again.
Today, kitcheri for lunch...supposed to be good when you are sick with colds and flu. Mixture of rice, mung bean dalh and cumin seeds cooked togehter with seasoning.
I also keep forgetting to mention the Papad which is a crispy round thing, looks like shmura matzo...made from mung bean dahl flour and seasoned with balck pepper. Good for colds and digestion and it ends each meal, sort of like dessert.

Treatment #7 - The day dawned terribly cold, windy and rainy but decided to go anyway, as I wanted finish up my first week and meet the doctor. I had a very mild body massage with Vivek as well as hot bundles on my lower back and shoulder neck area which is always stiff. Quite pleasant. Before the massage however, they promised to teach me how to flush out my nostrils pouring water into one and having it come out the other. I had tried that once years ago and all the water ended up in my forward...or down my throat...it was terrible and I was a little hesitant, but they first explained it to me, then did it themselves so I could see, and to my great surprise, I did it and it was easy and brought immediate relief even though one side was completely stopped up. They recommend it every morning when one has a cold a twice a week on a regular basis. I bought a little spouted plastic container to do it with.
Then the doctor came. He was quite pleased with my progress,,,said my pulse was much stronger and balanced, and then presribed further medication for my cold as well as the next weeks treatments.
These will include a massage still every day but afterwards, something to drink and then internal cleansing done with enema...I am REALLY looking forward to that you can be sure! And then a very lite meal each day of soup only for the duration.

Impression of results so far: As the weather has been very cold, raining windy and damp, I would have expected my hip to be bothering me continually, or least paining once in awhile. To my great surprise, from the second day, I have had no pain, not even twinges, at all. So for now, I can only say that something has happened. And I mentioned the immediate solution to my frozen shoulder already. Now we will see how long through the year the results continue....I am taking herbal medication every day, actually the same thing Rumalaya that I have been using for the past two years on the advice of an Indian pharmacist, but now the doctor has recommended Ramalaya Forte for at least the next 5 months. Then to stop and see what happens.

All in all so far, I am quite pleased. I took a break today as I mention in my regular post, and will be back tomorrow to begin my second week.

Namaste and good health to all
Jane

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India Journal 2006 #7 Feb 12-13 Talk About the Weather!

Well, I'd rather not talk about the weather. What a disappointment. But first let's go back to yesterday and finish up the nice stuff, and then we can talk about the weather for a minute or two.

Monday, Feb 12th, 6 PM
I am now in my room after a very busy day. I've checked the weather on the internet (you can do the same if you want to know what the weather is like here...Google "Dehradun weather" and the first site on the page will be "wunderground. There you can see the weather for 5 days and know what I'm going through.

I checked because I wanted to know if I could give in my winter clothes to the laundry, but I won't be able to do that until at least Saturday. I am wearing ALL of my clothes, and have taken to changing the UNDER piece of clothing since I cannot give them into the wash. But at least they keep me warm. This internet place is nice...it is heated!

My cold is not worse but not good either. Yesterday evening asked the guy in the kitchen to chop up an onion and cover it with honey

and of course he asked what I was going to do with it. When I told him I was going to eat the juice to clear up my cold...he thought that was hysterical and called all the guys over to tell them about the crazy old lady....but they gave it to me and it helped.

Tuesday, Feb 13, 6 PM
I slept well last night and woke up to pouring rain....worse than yesterday and much colder and seriously considered not going to day. It is like Jerusalem...about 10 degrees and windy...really not pleasant! But the doctor was supposed to see me and Vivek said he would also teach me how to put water up one nostril and out the other to clear up my cold and figured that would be good to know. I am also taking my Traumil and have bought Tulasi, which is Ayurveda stuff for immune system and hopefully, once the sun comes out this will simply pass over.

So, I got dressed warm, including my hat (later in the day I finally bought a raincoat which I will use for the next couple of days because even with an umbrella, crossing the bridge you get soaked from the wind driving the rain across at an angle) and took a rickshaw down. When I arrived, Vivek said he had sent me a message on the phone (which I keep closed) that if I wanted to "take rest today" I could as the weather was so bad. But I was happy I went. The power was on the whole time today, so the heater was working and I had my massage, plus really learnt how to do the wsater thing and it helped and also met with the doctor who was very pleased with my progress and presecibed the treatment for the next week. I will write more details when I get around to doing the treatment post.

So I am glad I went, and then stayed hoping the rain would stop and spoke to Vivek who is also very interesting, but finally had no choice and left in pouring rain. Got to the other side, got my rickshaw and got back to the hotel restaurant which was packed with all the other people also looking for a warm place to sit. The rooms are really cold (although mine is not as cold as some I've seen), and so sat and had a couple of glassed of ginger honey tea and finally went to my room.

I don't feel sick or anything, but the running nose is an annoyance and didn't feel like sleeping right away. Listened to music and played cards and finally went to sleep. I am meeting some very interesting people here as well...from Italy, Switzerland, Germany and of course Israelis, and it is not unpleasant to hang around the restaurants in the area here to pass the time when you can't be outdoors.

I am enjoying myself as much as possible under the circumstances, but have nothing exciting to write actually. I've even taken to doing the needlepoint I took with me the last minute (haven't done one of these since I was pregnant with Sahi 26 years ago) but it also passes the time while I'm listening to music.

I've already finished my first book and am into the second...a luxury I don't have time for at home. Basically the day goes by very gently...just would be perfect if it wasn't raining and I could get more use out of the swing outside my room. But if EVERYTHING was perfect when I arrived here, perhaps it would be too much of a shock to my system. This way, at least I get used to the perfect "good life" one step at a time.

So, I will close for now...go off for dinner, and then back to my room where I will turn on the heater, heat of the room, take a hot shower, and climb into my warm bed.

I LOVE to get letters by the way!!!!
Namaste to all
Jane

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India Journal 2006 #6 Feb 9-12, 2007

Well, back to catching up where we left off yesterday...hope this will bring me up to date and then it will be easier to continue. Today is Monday to the best of my knowledge...hope not to loose any more days along the way. So we go back to Shabbat, the day I got caught in the rain on the way home. But walking down the road to Ram Jula, the water of the Ganges was an amazing aquamarine, brilliant, clear color. I had to stop and just look at it for awhile on my way down. It rained all day AND all night and the locals say it should have rained like this in December and beginning of January, certainly not now...and they are all surprised by the weather. It did not rain all winter and just started raining now. Sounds like home...but it is really cold and windy and rainy and hopefully it will clear up soon. (Today, Monday, was actually quite nice all day...even saw the sun and sat out for awhile...hope each day gets better and better).

At any rate, I used the shared rickshaw which runs up and down the road between
Ram Jula and Laxman Jula and you just get on any one that has a free seat for 5 rupees. It takes me up the road and then I have another few minute climb up to the "High Banks" area I am living it. Not bad. I actually prefer walking the whole way but the rain was terrible and I've also been advised to do as little walking while doing the treatments, and rest as much as possible. I have taken to wearing my Crocs which I threw in the last minute and they are super comfrotable and since the roads here are good and even cleaner than any place else I've seen so far in India (except for Chennai), I am enjoying wearing them instead of my usual closed sneakers. Also easier when I have to keep taking them on and off in different places. Rishikes as a whole is really clean, and except for the stuff the cows leave (and there are an enormous amount of cows here...more than I've seen anywhere else), there is no dirt on the road whatsoever. so much cleaner than Dharamsala!

On the way home after my 4th treatment, which I will describe in a "treatment post", I stopped to buy shampoo and it took lots of hot water and plenty of shampoo to get my hair back to normal...it was the first treatment with the oil dripping on the forhead business...you can just imagine!

I had asked earlier in the week if it was possible to take walks in the forest and I was laughed out by the people at the guesthouse. They told me it is dangerous to go into the JUNGLE and I thought they meant for reasons of being robbed or attacked by men or something. They said no..."wild animals"!! Well, I didn't know what animals they were talking about but this morning, while looking out at the view across the river from my terrace, I saw on the path below, two enormous wild boar coming down the "jungle" path. so, I know for sure that they are in there and that is enough reason for me to not venture out there alone. But then I was told there are panthers and black bears as well! I spoke to the people at the clinic and they said yes, of course, the panthers even come down into town and the people who cautioned me about roaming the streets late at night are right. The area I am staying is pretty much IN the "jungle" and the animals still roam there. So, for now, I will have to find other places to walk around...but that will all wait until I finish all my treatments.

Sunday was also raining and chilly and almost didn't go down to my treatment, but in the end I went and coming back was already a little warmer and even had tea in an outdoor cafe which I tried for the first time. I had left my room in the morning wearing just about every piece of clothing I took with me. tites under my jeans, 2 pair of sox and my woolen booties on top of them. Thermal undershirt and 2 shirts, and light sweater, by sweatshirt and then my fleece jacket on top. and on the way down I bought a woolen hat to wear. And on top of it all, my shawel. Walking across the bridge was so windy, and quite scarey as it kind of swayed in the wind!

Just to comment about the treatments in general...my frozen shoulder is completely gone after only 2 treatments where it normally takes a few MONTHS to go away...even using acupuncture, osteopathy and complete rest. I've never taken the cortisone shots or pills the doc recommends and basically it seems that it doesn't go away until the inflammation dies down. And here, it was gone in 2 days!. My hip also seems to be fine even though it is so chilly and damp and all the walking I am doing, much of it up hills and steps.

Had a really fun time with Deepak today, one of the therapists as well as my yoga instructor, after his fabulous massage. While eating lunch, which consisted solely of chapati and squash like vegetable, we began talking about culture, language, etc. and I added a few more words in Hindi to my list. Trouble is, when I try to use them, people talk to me in English...like in Israel...if you sound like you don't really know Hebrew, everyone will answer you in English. They thought it was quite funny when I mentioned I learnt a little Hindi by watching Zee TV and when I told the young girl, 16 years old, who cooks and helps out there that I watch Jaab Love Hua and Kasamse, she burst out laughing!!! So now I can say things like "see you tomorrow", "see you later", "little bit", happy, cold, rain and "what is your name", "how are you", "have a nice day", thank you, in addition to the words I had already learned from the TV.

Also received my Indian phone number after providing them with a copy of my passport, visa, proof of address and picture.

Today I woke up with a cold again and my lower back is paining me terribly...something I never suffer from. So I complained to Vivek who said this is good...all part of the detoxification....and to rest as much as possible....he worked alot on my back and tomorrow I see the doctor to find out what the rest of the sessions will be.
So will end here...more tomorrow now that I am caught up.
Namaste

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Ayurveda Panchakarma Treatments #1-3

Feb. 6-9, 2007

I have decided to write separate posts describing my treatments here so that those of you who are interested in that aspect of this trip can simply skip to the categories and easily find only these posts.
So this is the first one and will just very briefly descirbe what these treatments are and then write about the first 3 treatments which I have had so far, in short.

Ayurveda is the ancient Indian medicine, thousands of years old, and I've been involved in certain aspects of it for several years now. If you want more specific information, simply Google it and you will find all you need to read about it.


After doing treatments in the past in India, I have decided to do a full panchakarma treatment here which will take two weeks. in short, it is a general detoxification of the body and then specifically used to treat individual problems. I will be specifically treated for my arthrities which has gotten much worse over the past winter. So, here we go.
The first day I was taken from my Ashram by motorbike (!) to the clinic for my meeting with the doctor. He examined me, using questions, pulse, eyes, tongue and nails to make his diagnosis. He then goes on to prescribe the specifics of the treatments as well as diet changes which he feels necessary, yoga suitable to my condition, pranayama and meditation. After concluding that my basic diet is surprisingly perfect for my body type and condition, and making a few simple suggestions, I was told to return the next day for my first treatment.

The biggest addition to my diet is quite lovely. Three tablespoons of melted butter in my food, twice a day! Or whole wheat toast for breakfast with 3 tablespoons of melted butter if I feel like it instead of porridge.

Other small changes but nothing spectacular, so that at least will not be very difficult for me to continue once I get home. He claimed that pommegranates are very good for me, as is avocado, dried fruits and nuts, hot milk with spices and honey in it (lovely) and other interesting suggestions. I'm quite pleased.

Now, my first treatment was the following morning and consisted of the follwoing:
It was a fabulous full ayurveda massage and then a steam box. The only way I can describe this contraption was to take you back, to those who remember, old TV shows where people were put into these boxes with a towel on their head and then a dial was turned and they were steamed. In on "Lucy" episode, she got stuck in one and it was quite funny. I also think one was used in a James Bond movie to kill someone but whatever.
This was simply a wooden box that I was closed into and then steamed until i began to sweat and then told to massage my body so that the oils would be absorbed thoroughly and my body would get full benefit from them. It also raises circulation to the service further detoxifying...it was really nice. Following that I was told that most people take a cold "bath" (same idea as sauna and then ice water) but in my case they would give me luke warm "bath". Turned out to be one small bucket of cold water to pour over myself and then get dried and dressed. Well, they say this is a very important part of the treatment, so of course I did it.

Then I was given lunch which will be part of the treatemnt each day. Chapati, dahl and rice of course, with melted butter poured over the dahl. Quite delicious actually sitting on the floor with Vivek who is in charge, Deepak the yoga instructor and the sweet massage therapist. Nice end to the first day.

My second treatment was of course the next day and included again a full body massage, then hot herbal bundle massage for specific problematic areas and this was done by the director, Vivek himslef. Then steam box again for longer even than the first day but no bath....just sat there until I sweated so much that all the excess oil dripped off me and then I just towel dried myself very easily. Then up to the roof for a 15 minute sunbathe, and then down to lunch which also included a little hotter food all meant to heat up my body from inside and out. another lovely day.

Third Treatment today consisted of a localized massage concentrating on the hip area, lower back and shoulder neck area followed by the heated herbal bundles again...this time done by TWO people working on me....what luxury1 Then just local steaming of the problematic areas and a very light lunch...no rice today. They jokingly said that each day the food would get less until I was paying for no food! Joking of course, but each day the food is cooked in a way that supplements the treatment of the day.

I also had my first yoga session today and Deepak gave me a full workout which works my entire body but is so gentle and easy on the joints that it is amazing. It was worth coming just for that!

So, I will end this post here and write another after I've done another few treatments.

If you have any questions, either comment here or e-mail and I'll be happy to go into more details for you.
Namaste
Jane

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